Dear Reader,

The extended whirlwind that was drupa 2024 - the world’s leading trade show for printing technologies in Düsseldorf, Germany - is still fresh. The experience was nothing short of inspiring, highlighting the latest innovations and developments for the printing industry. This massive event included a strong thread of current and emerging printed electronics (PE) applications in various industries such as international packaging, card box manufacturers, and flexible packaging.

Of course, the OE-A was there to represent the membership at this important international forum. Our two well-attended OE-A seminars at the drupa cube featured experts discussing the value and the technology of integrating printed electronics into a variety of applications, with a focus on smart packaging devices. Printed electronics applications make packaging smart by improving the traceability of goods, optimising logistics chains and providing robust protection against counterfeiting. A notable aspect of PE is its potential to contribute to a circular economy. The design and manufacturing processes of printed electronics are increasingly focused on creating products that can be easily recycled and reintroduced into the production cycle. The shift towards sustainability means that the lifecycle of electronic products can be extended, reducing the need for continuous extraction of raw materials, and reducing the overall environmental impact.

This discussion is set to continue at the International Conference on Flexible and Printed Electronics (ICFPE 2024) in Taipei, Taiwan, August 28-30, 2024. We are a partner of this event and have organized a conference session. Attendees will learn about aspects and applications of flexible and printed electronics such as display technology, printing processes and equipment, flexible electronic materials, and green energy.

The day before ICFPE, the OE-A Asia Meeting will be held in Taipei on August 27. Join us for this opportunity to meet Taiwanese companies active in flexible and printed electronics. We look forward to visiting E Ink, ITRI and AUO, plus meeting old and new friends at our networking event.

We invite you to join us in exploring the expanding horizon of printed electronics!

PS: On June 25 at 15:30 (CEST), the OE-A Fuel Cells Working Group will host a web seminar for its members on the integration of fuel cell technology with printed electronics. This promises to be very informative, so be sure to attend.